About us

FranceSW is owned and operated by Dean & Christiane Dorrell in Bardos, nr. Biarritz SW France - we bought Les Tilleuls in August 2001 and moved here permanently in May 2002 - we have 3 children, Catrina (10), Lily (8) and Lucas (6).

Dean played rugby for Saracens, Rosslyn Park, English Students & U21's during the late 80's and 90's when rugby players still had to have a normal job! However, that normal job turned out to be not so normal in the form of a bond trader for various City banks.
Interests - climbing (particularly ice climbing), rugby, running, skiing, motorbikes, diving - anything dangerous!




Christiane worked variously as tour secretary for Spandau Ballet, trained as a banker in Germany and then worked in the investment banking industry in London until starting a family in 1997. Interests- horse riding (mainly dressage) and breeding, running, cooking.

"One could not ask for more welcoming hosts.... From the moment we arrived they were on hand to offer advice about days out, providing tips that only a local would know. They gave us maps and guide books and even lent us a couple of sledges so that we could enjoy the last of the snow at a nearby ski resort. The children made Cameron (4 years old) feel at home, always inviting him to join in their games and showing him around the gardens, barns and most importantly the horses.
We were included in a family easter egg hunt, which went on for many hours after all the eggs were found, and gave us a chance to spend time with many locals (testing my French to the limit!) We have every intention of going back soon."

Alistair, Amy and Cameron, Bedfordshire

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